Time to stow, stow, stow your boat

Even late leavers in the Chicago harbor system have to pull their boats from the water by Nov. 15—so, now that it's in drydock, is the time to get ready for spring. The Progressive Group, the nation's leading boat insurer, offers these tips:

• Drain the water from the engine completely and fill the cooling system with environmentally safe antifreeze. Remove spark plugs and fog cylinders and wipe down the engine with fogging oil or similar moisture displacing lubricant.

• Change the oil and filter. Add stabilizer and fill to the desired level. Don't forget the lower unit.

• If you are using a standard canvas or plastic cover make sure it is properly secured and sturdy enough to handle snow. For added protection try shrink wrap on exposed areas of the boat, including the tongue, trailer jack and winch.

• Maintain the charge and keep the battery conditioned through the winter by removing it from the boat and storing it properly.

• To keep birds, rodents or other vermin from using your boat as their winter residence make sure there are no possible entrances and spread a deterrent such as moth balls throughout the vessel.

• Check on your boat periodically.

Tips from Sailingmates.com, a sailing Web site, include:

• Remove all fluids from the boat or use anti-freeze if you can't.

• Remove all electronic equipment and store it in a warm dry place.

• Take all loose gear off the boat.

• Wash all surfaces to remove dirt or grease.

• Clean the bilge. Scrub with soap and hot water. Add pink anti-freeze to stop remaining water from freezing.

• Scrub or pressure wash the hull and deck.

• Clean hardware, mast and rigging to remove salt and grime.

• Touch up damaged varnish or paintwork.

• Lightly wax all fiberglass surfaces to protect over winter.

• Inspect the hull and deck for cracks, blisters or any stress cracks. Repair as necessary.

• Replace corroded lifelines.

• Pull the mast out of the boat. Repair any cracks or corrosion around the fittings before storing.

• Remove all the running rigging and wash gently to remove salt and grime. Dry and store.

From washing and waxing to detailing the interior, people baby their cars in all sorts of ways. But it's equally important to take care of your car before you put it into storage. Here are a few tips to make sure your car is ready to go when you are.

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